Music Achtung Baby

 —the edge, explaining band s motivation seeking new sound

u2 credited composing music of achtung baby s tracks, despite periods of separated songwriting. wrote music through jam sessions, common practice them. album represents deviation sound of past work; songs less anthemic in nature, , musical style demonstrates more european aesthetic, introducing influences alternative rock, industrial music, , electronic dance music. band referred album s musical departure sound of 4 men chopping down joshua tree . accordingly, distorted introduction opening track zoo station intended make listeners think record broken or mistakenly not new u2 album. author susan fast said group s use of technology in song s opening, there can no mistake u2 has embraced sound resources new them .

for album, edge eschewed minimalistic approach guitar playing , trademark chiming, delay-heavy sound, in favour of style incorporated more solos, dissonance, , feedback. industrial influences , guitar effects, particularly distortion, contributed metallic style , harder textures . music journalist bill wyman said edge s guitar playing on closing track love blindness sounded dentist s drill . edge achieved breakthroughs in writing of songs such better real thing , mysterious ways toying various effects pedals.

the rhythm section more pronounced in mix on achtung baby, , hip hop-inspired electronic dance beats featured on many of album s tracks, prominently fly . elysa gardner of rolling stone compared layering of dance beats guitar-heavy mixes songs british bands happy mondays , jesus jones. mysterious ways combines funky guitar riff danceable, conga-laden beat, bono called u2 @ our funkiest... sly , family stone meets madchester baggy. amidst layers of distorted guitars, fly , zoo station feature industrial-influenced percussion—the timbre of mullen s drums exhibits cold, processed sound, beating on tin can , according author albin zak.

whereas bono exhibited full-throated vocal delivery on group s previous releases, achtung baby extended range lower register , used fast described breathy , subdued colors . on many tracks, including fly , zoo station , sang character; 1 technique used fast called double voice , in vocals doubled sung in 2 different octaves. octave differentiation done vocals simultaneously, while @ other times, distinguishes voices between verses , choruses. according fast, technique introduces contrasting lyrical idea , vocal character deliver , leading both literal , ironic interpretations of bono s vocals. several tracks, vocals treated processing. these techniques used give voice different emotional feel , distinguish past vocals.